A particular take on property ISSUE ONE All about your area: a local perspective from Strutt & Parker
A particular take on property ISSUE ONE Welcome to &Suffolk, a magazine showcasing local properties and giving you a taste of the area. Strutt & Parker is one of the most diverse property businesses in the UK, and the Ipswich office is a focal point for the wide range of departments and services we offer. The residential team specialises in selling a variety of properties across Suffolk in its many towns and villages, while Strutt & Parker also provides unrivalled expertise in farming, land management, commercial property, planning and development. Read on to find out more Page 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest properties and local highlights Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert overview of the national market Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker? Page 10 Why we love Suffolk: locals reveal why there s no place like home Page 11 Find us: local highlights Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com. All information and pricing correct at time of going to press. Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com 02 &Cambridge
INSIGHT Charlie Mitchell, Partner, explains how our Ipswich office brings a range of services and experience to the county s robust property market photography (cover and this page) Michael Clement S trutt & Parker s Ipswich office opened in 1952 and we have remained a firm feature on the East Anglian property scene ever since. In that time, we have built up extensive local knowledge and experience, selling some of the finest houses in Suffolk and the wider area. The region is growing in popularity with a noticeable increase in buyers moving here from London and counties such as Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. The appeal of Suffolk is not surprising, with its wide tracts of unspoilt countryside, the Heritage Coast dotted with famous seaside towns and the slightly slower pace of life. Along with the many picturesque villages and market towns, Ipswich is growing in demand. The area around Christchurch Park is the most sought-after part of town, with some impressive period houses and the renowned Ipswich School. The park itself is a real gem, with more than 70 acres of landscaped grounds and Christchurch Mansion, which houses a selection of paintings including works by Constable and Gainsborough. The harbour is a major attraction with a wide range of restaurants and bars lining the waterfront overlooking the marina. For the commuter, transport links are excellent. The A12 and A14 provide ready access to London and Cambridge, while mainline railway stations at Manningtree, Ipswich and Stowmarket have direct services to London Liverpool Street. The East Anglian market is evolving due to a more transient workforce, and this wider focus provides the perfect opportunity for Strutt & Parker to make use of its national network of offices, including 10 in central London. While the local market is still challenging, we are seeing an increase in buyers from London looking to cash in on their investment and move to the country. Compared with the capital, house prices in the East have remained on a flat line and are attractive to buyers from outside the region. struttandparker.com/ipswich 03
First & foremost rural idyll Charsfield Hall, Charsfield Located in beautiful countryside between Woodbridge and Framlingham, Charsfield Hall is an impressive Grade II Listed 16th-century country house. Recently renovated, it is beautifully presented with a self-contained annexe. Outbuildings include a Suffolk long barn, two storage barns and a workshop. Landscaped gardens surround the house and feature a moat, tennis court and swimming pool. The land includes a paddock and two belts of woodland in more than 22 acres. Price on application Contact 01473 220444 coastal charms Escape the rat race with a walk along the Suffolk Coast Path, taking in 50 miles of unhurried calm from Felixstowe north to Lowestoft. You ll see avocets, bitterns, marsh harriers, butterflies and wildflowers in the low marshes, dunes and on the beaches. Of particular interest are the RSPB s reserves at Aldeburgh, Orford and Minsmere. While passing through the pleasing seaside towns of Thorpeness, Walberswick, Southwold and Orford, you can stop and relish a plate of oysters washed down with a pint of local Adnams ale. suffolkcoastandheaths.org glorious food Please sir, can I have some more? is the typical refrain at artisan food heaven Suffolk Food Hall. Located next to the Orwell Estuary, it is home to the Broxtead Butchery, where whole carcasses hang and you can buy locally produced Red Poll beef, sausages and game; an artisan bakery in full flow before the dawn chorus to produce delicious loaves; and a knowledgeable fishmonger happy to share cooking tips for his sustainable stock. There s also a chocolatier specialising in Belgian treats, the Market Hall for fresh fruit and vegetables, a beer market, and a deli with antipasti, cheese and tarts the Suffolk Gold, a semi-hard farmhouse cheese, is a top choice. You can also enhance your foodie reputation at regular events such as cake-decorating, bread and pasta workshops. suffolkfoodhall.co.uk 04 &Suffolk
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS rare retreat Woolverstone House, Woolverstone Woolverstone House is believed to be the only complete work in Suffolk by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is Grade II* Listed. The house has been sympathetically restored and has some magnificent rooms and architectural detail. The formal gardens are beautifully laid out and include a sunken terrace, kitchen garden, swimming pool and tennis court. Price on application under offer Contact 01473 220444 Musical notes Aldeburgh Music is celebrating the centenary of Benjamin Britten s birth in Lowestoft with a series of performances at the world-famous concert hall at Snape Maltings, the venue that, along with his partner Peter Pears, the composer launched in 1948. Those attending a concert need not stray far away, as self-catering holiday homes are available within Snape Maltings, plus there s an art gallery, bookshop, toy emporium, the Plough and Snail pub, food hall and a café overlooking the marshes. Keep the children entertained with story walks through the mysterious marshes, or chocolate making, pizza and pasta workshops, while autumn highlights include the new FlipSide festival celebrating Brazilian culture. aldeburgh.co.uk Words Cheryl Markosky photography David Tipling (rspb-images.com) (Suffolk Coast Path) Flickr: arenacucina (Cheese) suffolk uncovered Two of England s finest painters were born in Suffolk: Thomas Gainsborough (1727 88) and John Constable (1776 1837) Suffolk has a viable contender for the title of patron saint of England St Edmund, who was made patron saint in 869, only to be usurped by St George 481 years later in 1350 The UK s only surviving Regency playhouse is in Suffolk s Bury St Edmunds king of the castles Forget modern-day etiquette and wallow in a world of battling knights at Framlingham Castle. Carl Eastwood from Strutt & Parker Ipswich says his four-year-old son loves the archery demonstrations and medieval tourneys at the 12th-century fortress: He simply adores it and comes home with toy bows, arrows and swords. Typical events at the castle where Mary Tudor once took refuge include training in the art of combat in a Weapons and Warriors workshop and a weekend of duelling at the Knights Tournament. english-heritage.org.uk struttandparker.com/ipswich 05
Mendlesham Manor, Mendlesham An historic Listed Elizabethan manor house, sympathetically renovated and in a delightful rural location. 1,250,000 FOR SALE Little Manor Farm, Brundish An attractive 16th-century timber-framed house with picturesque, partly moated gardens and a good range of outbuildings. 850,000 FOR SALE Hill House, Ashfield A charming period house in an exceptional setting with outbuildings and more than three acres of grounds. 695,000 FOR SALE Ridley House, Old Felixstowe A striking Italianate villa set in mature gardens on the sea front. There are stunning panoramic views, especially from the tower room. 1,350,000 FOR SALE For further details of any of these properties, contact 01473 220444 06 &Suffolk
PORTFOLIO Berners Street, Ipswich A spacious five-bedroom Grade II Listed townhouse presented in excellent condition with gardens and garaging. 499,000 FOR SALE Bridge Farm, Semer A Grade II Listed farmhouse in a lovely setting in the Brett Valley with annexe, two holiday cottages and equestrian facilities. 1,650,000 FOR SALE The Hall, Eyke A lovely Georgian-style family house with light, spacious rooms. Set in a landscaped setting and close to the popular market town of Woodbridge. 465,000 FOR SALE Park House, Tattingstone An idyllic property that includes a threebedroom annexe and fabulous walled gardens that lead on to Alton Water. 1,500,000 FOR SALE White Rose House, Lindsey A spacious Grade II Listed village house with a stunning entertaining room, recently updated kitchen and workshops. 795,000 FOR SALE struttandparker.com/ipswich 07
Trends & analysis Strutt & Parker experts reflect on the nationwide property picture Regional growth Cost considerations, lifestyle choices, local economic factors and government efforts to kick-start the housing market are creating a complex UK residential property picture, according to Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker. There s definitely been a stimulus at the bottom of the market because of what the government s sought to do for first-time buyers, says Fiddes. Secondly, while more people are selling up in London and benefiting from fantastic value outside of the capital because of the large price differential, buyers are becoming much more conscious of the costs such as commuting, property maintenance and heating, and education. Lifestyle choices, too, are resulting in more people living in an urban or suburban environment beyond London. That s been good for Oxford, Cambridge, St Albans and Guildford in particular. These key regional centres are seeing more growth in residential value than their rural counterparts, although there are hotspots around the UK where different economic factors affect the marketplace, says Fiddes. An example is around Aberdeen, where the oil industry creates a massive number of jobs. A complex market then, but one in which Strutt & Parker remains best placed to negotiate, with the interests of clients always paramount. When people are moving house, they re usually dealing with their most valuable asset, something that s going to have one of the greatest effects on their lives, says Fiddes. Selling a house is about getting the best possible deal for the client, but also about helping them on a journey. We always endeavour to look after them and proactively make things happen, rather than merely hoping they ll happen. 25% of Strutt & Parker vendors outside London are looking to move to smaller properties up to 32% of London buyers are planning to move to the country Getting stronger The country house market has weathered the worst of the recession and although last year s 2% rise in stamp duty did have an impact, James Mackenzie, Head of the Country Department at Strutt & Parker believes that this was a just a blip. People take these things on the chin and move on, particularly when you re talking about buying a family home. And while the hard winter of 2012/13 did little to encourage buyers out into the country, Mackenzie believes the market is making up for lost time. It s heading back to where it should be, with the potential to get stronger over the next 12 months. Little regional variation exists it s all about properties and prices but the robust London market remains a key driving factor, with buyers recognising the potential that city budgets have beyond the capital. Equally, international and expat interest remains steady and it s here that Strutt & Parker s relationship with Christie s International Real Estate comes into its own. Many more international buyers are being pushed in our direction, explains Mackenzie. Our auction house colleagues are also helping introduce potential sellers to Strutt & Parker. It s simply a much bigger playing field for us now. words Dave Flanagan illustration Dennis Carrier / Synergy
OVERVIEW WHY STRUTT & PARKER? A holistic view T he new research team at the company s London head office is making its presence felt with vital insights into short- and long-term market trends. While many industry researchers have a narrow focus, this department takes a holistic approach, keeping abreast of developments across the full range of Strutt & Parker s interests. Our work is about understanding the markets, knowing what the trends are, and identifying where the demand and stock is coming from, says Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker. But examining statistics is just part of the process. We re interested in the behaviour of buyers and vendors, explains McMahon. It s important to understand what s driving their decision-making. Downsizing, or right-sizing as McMahon calls it, is one of the trends currently being tracked by the team. Outside London, 25% of our vendors are looking to move to smaller properties, she says. And out in the country, over 80% of people are using their homes for primary use. Even in London, that figure is almost at 55%. McMahon is seeing evidence, finally, of movement in the mortgage market: It s becoming a little bit more accessible for some buyers, so that s a positive sign. OUR BRAND For more than 125 years, Strutt & Parker has created a brand that signifies outstanding results delivered through high-quality and integrity-rich service. OUR MARKETING EXCELLENCE We are committed to constantly evolving our marketing approach to ensure that your property is seen ahead of the rest. Our dedicated in-house marketing and PR team ensures that our brand and your property is consistently and strongly represented in every media outlet. OUR ONLINE PRESENCE Strutt & Parker has built an industry-leading website for buyers of quality real estate, with more than 200,000 visitors to struttandparker.com every month. We also have a mobile-friendly website and use QR codes and NFC technology to give access to properties on the go and from any mobile device. OUR NATIONAL NETWORK Strutt & Parker s extensive and growing network of 50 offices covers the whole of the UK, from Exeter to Inverness. Our 400+ sales professionals work as a team to help achieve great property results for you. OUR BUYERS DATABASE With 2,000 buyers registering with us every month, we have more than 26,000 active buyers all of whom are shared across our network of UK offices, showcasing your home to more prospective buyers nationally. OUR GLOBAL REACH As the sole UK affiliate of Christie s International Real Estate, we have access to 920 affiliate offices in 41 countries worldwide, bringing global buyers to your door. OUR EXPERTS We offer a total solution approach. Our specialist teams include Residential Sales, Lettings, Building Surveying & Architecture, Farms & Estates, Land Management, Farming, Commercial, Planning, Development, Resources & Energy and Professional Services. BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER Fiona Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications at Strutt & Parker, explains why Open House Days are a must Q What is Open House Day? A It s a day when we throw open the doors of all the houses we re selling, so that prospective buyers have the chance to view as many properties as they wish, without the need to make appointments. We run Open House Days twice a year, in the spring and autumn. Q How does it help buyers and sellers? A Buyers like it because it gives them the freedom to see lots of properties on one day. They can plan their own route and it s really time efficient. They also like the opportunity to meet vendors. From a seller s perspective, you ve got a lot of prospective buyers coming through the door to see your house on a single day. We know that 90 per cent of searches start online, but nothing replaces the value of seeing a property for real. Q How effective is Open House Day? A We had 700 properties take part in our last event, with one in ten receiving offers on the day, to a value of more than 85 million. The results speak for themselves. Q What do you have to do to get involved? A You can register to take part online at struttandparker.com/openday or with your local Strutt & Parker office. Once you ve provided your details, you ll receive a registration card. You can then view as many houses on the day as you wish.
I love Suffolk because I was born and brought up here. The investment and growth in the area has turned it into a hub for commerce and culture, without losing the beauty of the landscape or our access to outstanding local produce. Liz Ambler, owner, Arlington s Brasserie Why we love Suffolk Having moved to Suffolk when I was nine years old, I am one of the many who moved back here from London for the quality of family life. I am a huge Suffolk fan there is no better place for a child to grow up. As an entrepreneur, I m surrounded by like-minded people who live and work here running their own businesses. I m 20 minutes from the coast how can you not love it? Paddy Bishopp, co-founder, Paddy and Scott s Coffee There s so much to see and do on our beautiful coastline and it s the perfect place to windsurf. My sons already enjoy sailing at Alton Reservoir, a place where I spent much of my youth. Andrew Mexome, property developer, owner, Mexhomes What makes the county such a special place to work and live? We ask a few local residents With happy memories of growing up in Suffolk, it was an easy decision to return 10 years ago when Birketts offered me a job. I love Aldeburgh Golf Club, the Low House pub in Laxfield and a victory at Portman Road for Ipswich Town. James Dinwiddy, Partner, Birketts Solicitors I love the Suffolk landscape and feel connected to it through our furniture-making business. We work with local landowners near our Suffolk workshop to use the timber from their woodlands. Suffolk is a beautiful county and that local provenance is very important to us. Tom Luxmoore, co-founder, Luxmoore & Co ILLUSTRATION Maps Illustrated PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Clement 10 &Suffolk
FIND US S&P Strutt & Parker Ipswich 11 Museum Street Ipswich IP1 1HH Tel: 01473 214841 ipswich@struttandparker.com Strutt & Parker network and services Strutt & Parker Ipswich is part of a national network with 50 offices around the UK, including 10 offices in central London. As sole UK affiliate of Christie s International Real Estate, we also work with a network of 920 affiliate offices in 41 countries around the globe. To complement our Residential Sales team, we offer clients a complete service with experts across a wide range of disciplines, including: Farming our specialist agricultural advisers work with farmers and landowners to help manage their land and increase profitability. Land Management we offer advice to estate and land owners managing thousands of acres with diverse business interests. Valuation & Enfranchisement Services from property valuations to client support on planning processes, we offer many specialist property services. Resources & Energy we help clients seize the opportunities and manage the risks that energy issues present. Commercial Property our highly successful commercial team provides forward-thinking advice across all commercial property sectors. Planning & Development we advise on planning strategy and submit applications for clients, as well as advising on development value and selling land with consent. struttandparker.com/ipswich 11
Ipswich 11 Museum Street Ipswich IP1 1HH Tel: 01473 220444 Cambridge 66-68 Hills Road Cambridge CB2 1LA Tel: 01223 459500 Chelmsford Coval Hall, Rainsford Road Chelmsford CM1 2QF Tel: 01245 258201 Harpenden 49 High Street Harpenden AL5 2SJ Tel: 01582 764343 Norwich 4 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA Tel: 01603 617431 St Albans 34 St Peters Street St Albans AL1 3NA Tel: 01727 840285 Stamford 5 South View, Tinwell Road Stamford PE9 2JL Tel: 01780 484040 London Ten offices in central London Visit struttandparker.com for details struttandparker.com To visit the Ipswich office homepage, simply hover your phone over the QR code (right).